The eyes allow us to see the world; they are the key to our most important sense in this digital age. From driving to working on a computer to engaging friends through eye contact in conversation, it’s true that the eyes really have it. Unfortunately, the process of aging does take away our vision gradually overtime, but that’s not all. As the skin loosens and sags, the eyes can become blocked or at least look puffy and tired, conveying the wrong message to those we meet each day. While an eyelid lift surgery may seem cosmetic in nature, there are so many more medical benefits that should not go overlooked.
How Eyelid Surgery Is Performed
When patients opt for eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, they often have sagging, drooping skin and muscles on their upper and lower eyelids. Fine lines may be forming around the lower eyelid, as well as bags under the eyes. Puffiness can result from added fat deposits as well. Eyelid surgery is primarily performed in milder cases of these symptoms for a cosmetic purpose: to make the eye area look younger, thus making the entire face appear younger.
The surgery itself is an in-office procedure performed with local anesthesia and lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. Longer time frames may be needed to excise larger amounts of tissue and more extensive correction. The incisions are placed in the natural folds of the eyelids, where the surgeon can then reposition or remove fat deposits around the eyes, tighten up muscle and tissue in the area, and remove any excess skin. Using fine sutures, the incisions are closed and the procedure is completed.
The Cosmetic Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
When an eyelid surgery is performed, many patients are looking for a way to look and feel refreshed. Some women are frustrated by the excess skin on their eyelids which can make it difficult to wear eye makeup. Others are bothered by constantly hearing that they look tired or sad about something. Because the eyes are a focal point in daily interactions, how the eyes look can convey different feelings to our friends, family, coworkers and even complete strangers. When drooping eyelids are affecting how you present yourself to the outside world or causing mild annoyances every day, a cosmetic eyelid lift surgery can help you to reverse these effects.
Medical Benefit #1 – Blepharoptosis
Blepharoptosis is a condition that occurs when the eyelid droops below its normal position, affecting a person’s field of vision. When the breakdown of elastin in the skin combines with gravity, the delicate skin of the upper eyelid drops well below its normal area and can pose serious risks. If this condition is not addressed, patients with blepharoptosis can have trouble seeing. This can be especially dangerous when driving, potentially threatening other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
When a blepharoplasty is used to correct this condition, the eyelids are trimmed of excess skin, the muscles are tightened, and this serious issue is resolved. Because of this dramatic need for surgery, many insurance companies will provide coverage to eyelid surgery patients seeking to correct blepharoptosis to live healthier, safer lives.
Medical Benefit #2 – Migraine Headaches
While the research on the connection between migraine headaches and eyelid surgery is still developing, the early results are very positive. So far, migraine headaches have been completely eliminated in 51.3 percent of eyelid surgery patients, but positively affected in an enormous 90.7 percent of patients as well. Researchers believe that the process of performing upper eyelid surgery releases tension in or deactivates the nerves that cause migraines. Again, there is still much to be learned about this positive medical benefit of eyelid surgery and the procedure is not being used expressly to treat migraines. It’s simply important to note how easily one beneficial procedure can lead to even bigger benefits for the right patient.
Choose the Right Surgeon for a Low-Risk Tummy Tuck
Schedule your eyelid surgeryconsultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and facial plastic surgeon, to learn more about what this surgery can do for you. Dr. Kessler completed his medical degree with honors from Tufts University in Boston as well as a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York. Prior to that, he completed Plastic Surgery residencies with the U.S. Air Force and the University of Texas.
Today, Dr. Kessler operates his surgical practice in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 E Pacific Coast Hwy #200, in Newport Beach, CA, by calling 949.644.6544.
